Secrets Leave Scars [EDITING]

19 - Masquerade

Isobel's POV:

The Masquerade Ball had finally arrived. There was a huge meeting held in the morning, announcing the expectations for the evening, none of which included actual fun. I had never been to a dance like this before. The fanciest place I'd been was my Senior Prom, and that was located in a hotel.

Anyway, I had some help figuring out what to wear. The girls and I made our own group chat and talked it out. Ivy sent a dress for me to borrow, from her very extensive dress collection.

The dress is long with a slit in the front, revealing my legs. It hangs off my shoulders and has slits in the sleeves. The color is a deep black, matching my hair, and is decorated with a gold pattern. I never thought I could fall in love with a dress and yet here I am.

I picked out a lacey black mask that covers the eyes, and high black heels. Everyone from the Steele mafia would be carrying a small weapon, so accordingly, I searched through mine. I tie a black, holster strap around my upper thigh and tuck a few pocket knives inside. I let my sleek, black hair flow down my back, pinning some pieces up. Finally, the time is here.

Trinity had asked Axel as her date and Omar invited another member who I didn't know. Ivy's going with Marcus, although he insisted it was purely professional.

We all agree to meet in front of Skull Bar and ride to the location together. I grab a hand purse and walk across the street to our meeting place. Omar's is the only face I recognize. He introduces me to his date, Alexandria, and the large group of her friends. Most of their names are unrecognizable, meaning they must not be too psychotic for the FBI to keep tabs on them.

Trinity and Axel arrive next, both looking amazing. "My favorite sadist!" I exclaim jokingly, embracing Axel in a hug. I greet Trinity, who has surprisingly been a lot more tolerable lately, and watch as Omar joins us.

"Woah," he says, eyeing Trinity. "Wanna switch dates Grey?" They nudge each other playfully, while Trinity blushes awkwardly. "And where's the lucky man?" He asks, turning to me. I roll my eyes playfully, as they continue socializing.

I hear a pair of high heels coming up from behind me, and meet eyes with Ivy. She looks amazing, per usual, a stunning dark blue dress wrapped around her. Closely behind her appear Kol and Marcus. I greet Ivy with a hug while waiting for the boys to catch up.

"Wow Isobel you look amazing," she gasps, cheerfully. Marcus stays behind, not greeting the group, when Kol makes his way over. "Look how amazing she looks!" Ivy continues, now waiting for Kol to respond.

"I know she looks amazing," Kol laughs, giving me a small kiss on the cheek. Ivy pulls us to the others as I glance over my shoulder at Marcus.

He's leaning against the dirty brick wall, smoking an expensive cigar. His hair is gelled back as it always is, and his suit screams dark and sophisticated. His guards are standing watch nearby. I refocus my attention on the group and push Marcus out of my mind, while we wait for the limo to pick us up.

***

The limo is huge, fitting up to 20 people, while also housing a minibar. How much money did all of this cost? Especially for a stupid dance? I take my seat next to Kol, squishing my dress so it fits. The driver turns on an elegant jazz piece before driving off.

I watch as the others get drinks and laugh. Everyone is deep in conversation, enjoying themselves. My stomach twists anxiously. I repeatedly tap my heel on the floor, a nervous tic of mine.

A warm hand lands on my thigh, stopping the tapping of my heel. I recognize the hand as Marcus's. I look up at Kol, who doesn't notice, then turn to face Marcus.

"Stop tapping," he says softly, "you're shaking the whole car." Just as quickly as he placed it, he removed his hand, tightening the tie wrapped around his neck. I take deep breaths, attempting to calm my nerves, and sit quietly as we arrive to the venue.

One by one, we make our way through the limo. I slip my weapons swiftly out of the holster, before getting out. Hand in hand, Kol and I make our way to the giant doors. There are multiple guards lined up at the entrance, each holding metal detectors. He checks me first, and I discretely pass the knives to Kol. The man clears me to go in while Kol passes back the knives and his hand gun. I wait patiently, smiling brightly as the guard allows Kol to pass. I lift my dress slightly as he approaches, securing my weapons back where they belong. I take his arm, dropping his gun into his pocket as I do.

We make our way past security and enter the giant ballroom. The area is decorated with large chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, decorated with ancient art. Gold accents line the walls and an orchestra plays beautiful music from afar. I gasp in awe as I walk in. The sight is like something from a movie.

Kol leads me to the bar, up a long flight of elegant stairs. He slickly pops open a bottle of champagne and passes me a glass. "This is so fancy," I whisper in disbelief.

"I know," he chuckles lightly, pouring a drink of his own. He raises his glass and we cheer to a wonderful evening.

We walk back down the flight of stairs and head to a neatly decorated table. The sign in the center reads "Steele Family Cartel."

"So why exactly does everyone need a date for this?" I ask, sipping my champagne.

"For the dance coming up," Kol speaks, leaning back in his chair. "Ivy said she taught you it yesterday right?"

"Wait everyone has to do it?"

"It's tradition," he grunts. My nerves build up again realizing I have to perform a dance, that I barely have memorized, to an entire room of mafia members.

My thoughts are interrupted by the loud screech of microphone feedback. "Oops sorry," a plump, old man says, standing in the center of the dance floor. "It's time to dance everyone!"

My stomach drops to the floor as Kol stands up. He offers me his hand, "Game time Pierce."